St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery

The oldest cemetery in Oakland, St. Mary’s has been interring Catholics since 1863. It includes some old California families and the broad waves of humanity arriving from the gold rush to the present. Ethnic groups include the Irish, French, Azoreans, Swiss, Chilean Indians, Canadians, Italians, and Germans, with later groups coming from Dalmatia and the Pacific. Persons of note include two Mexican Colonial governors and the inventor of the Irish coffee drink, among many others. Join us as we explore this lesser-known historically significant site. Easy; one mile walk with uneven ground

Image Credit: Kathryn Hughes

Meeting Location: Cemetery Entrance, 4529 Howe Street, in front of the arches

Tour Guide: Al Janske

NOTES:

• PLEASE MEET 15 MINUTES BEFORE listed time to allow for registration.

• We kindly request you register in advance. In-person registration will be first-come-first-served on a space available basis. We cannot guarantee a spot will be available.

• We offer fee waivers for limited income residents— just ask!

• Comfortable walking shoes, sun hats and sunscreen are recommended. Bring water.

• Vouchers, limited-income accommodation, and any other special circumstances should be handled in advance. Please email info@oaklandheritage.org for assistance

• Check your email the morning of the walking tour for any last-minute changes, clarifications, or cancellation.

• If you need assistance navigating Humanitix, please reach out to us at info@oaklandheritage.org or call our office at (510) 763-9218 and we’d be happy to help.

• Due to the ongoing presence of Covid, we will continue to make masks available. If you feel ill the day of a tour, please stay home. If after a tour, you become ill and test positive, please let us know as soon as possible. Thank you.

• Please check out the profiles of tour leaders. We are grateful for their skill and generosity.

• These tours support Oakland Heritage Alliance, a non-profit that tells Oakland’s story through walking tours, lectures, newsletters and advocacy. We welcome volunteers and new members!

Accessibility Note: Easy; one mile walk with uneven ground

About Oakland Heritage Alliance

Oakland Heritage Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization which advocates the protection, preservation, and revitalization of Oakland's architectural, historic, cultural and natural resources through publications, education, and direct action.